A Texas Sized Stink Bug Invasion

Stink Bugs Invading Texas

If you live in Texas, there’s no doubt you’ve become well acquainted with a relatively new pest invader; a stinky invader at that. The brown marmorated stink bug arrived in Texas about ten years ago, causing damage to your homes and gardens. Since their initial arrival, they have become more and more frequent; infesting areas of Texas by the thousands. Stink bugs have also proven to be a threat to the economic well being of fruit and vegetable farmers. This has led the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to label this smelly pest as the country’s top invasive pest.

Stink Bugs

There are several types of stink bugs found in Texas, but the most frequently seen and most invasive, is the brown marmorated stinkbug. These stinky pests measure about ½ inch long, and are shaped like a shield. They are brown in color, and have black and white triangles around their body. If you squash or disturb these pests, the will emit a rank odor.

How To Identify A Stink Bug

Controlling Stink Bugs

USDA scientists and researchers promise Texas residents that help is on the way. They are continually looking for ways to control the stink bug population studying the pheromones they release. They are evaluating potential attractants for use in commercial traps, and have actually identified a specific aggressive pheromone that attracts other stinkbugs. Until the traps are available your best bet to control these pesky bugs is to employ the services of a pest control professional.